by Karen Zent, MindOH! Congressional Liaison

The story of stone soup is often told as an analogy for public-private partnerships because the tale so vividly illustrates the motivations for and benefits to partnering - we all hunger for more resources and together we can create something far more satisfying than anything we might create alone. But as with all analogies, the story falls a little short when applied to a real-world situation. Too often public-private partnerships begin with a laudable goal and some warm, friendly feelings but no assurance that soup is what is needed or it will taste good once it's cooked.

So for now, let's put stone soup where it belongs, on a shelf in our mind where we keep inspirational images, idealized themes, and dreams of simpler things, and let's dissect public-private partnerships and how they might actually work for our school or business.

Book review by Leslie Matula, MindOH! Co-founder and character education subject matter expert

In honor of George Washington's birthday on February 22nd, I thought I'd introduce readers to this wonderful little book. For those of you who don't know, our founding father, at the notable age of 14, wrote down 110 rules. He titled it Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation. According to the publisher, "These rules were drawn from an English translation of a French book of maxims and were intended to polish manners, keep alive the best affections of the heart, impress the obligation of moral virtues, teach how to treat others in social relations, and above all, inculcate the practice of a perfect self-control."

It's a quick and enjoyable read for our busy times, and full of wisdom and unintentional humor. Many of Washington's rules are quite a challenge to a fidgety person such as myself, rules such as: "Shift not yourself in the sight of others . . ." And our MindOH! team would struggle with this one: "Do not laugh too much or too loud in public." But then there's the great wisdom of young Washington's first rule, "Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present," and Rule 22, "Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy."

It's quite remarkable, if you think about it; a teenaged boy destined to be a great leader, a man whose life transformed and continues to transform the lives of millions, developing a set of principles to live by at such a young age. It's a great example for today's youth. This little book (only 30 small pages) makes a great gift and would be a fun family read or discussion generator.

By Amy Dow, MindOH! Content Writer

Four months ago, I made the move to Fulton, Mississippi. This decision to move gave me the opportunity to absorb the unique "Southern Style" of the big hearted southern people.

During my time down here I have noticed some distinct characteristics of the Southern culture. In Fulton, everyone waves when you pass in the car. Initially it felt odd because I couldn't figure out who it was waving at me all the time. Then I realized, they probably don't know either. The people here are just SUPER friendly and wave at everyone who passes.

Another major difference is the language and the accents. "Y'all come back" isn't just for the movies, people really do say that down here. They are just so friendly that you get the feeling that they really do want you to come back.

However, the biggest cultural experience that I have had the honor to have participated in happened last Sunday. Chasity, a coworker and friend in the office I work in, asked my boyfriend, brother and I to visit her church. Chasity has lived in Fulton for most of her life, and comes from a loving, caring African American family.

Once arriving at the church, it was easy to see that we were the visitors just by looking at the color of our skin. However, the most enjoyable part was the fact that the color of our skin had NO affect whatsoever on how we were welcomed or treated. Everyone was extremely friendly and we were greeted with big smiles and warm hugs.

Chasity's church was full of an exciting and loving energy. We were singing, clapping, even dancing our little hearts out. It reminded me of the movie Sister Act. I've never experienced anything like this in a church environment, it was so much fun!

Afterwards we went back to eat an afternoon dinner at Chasity's brother-in-law's home. WOW!! Chasity always told me that I needed to try her Mom's famous "Soul Food" and boy was she right. It was delicious and many of the things we ate I had never tried before. It was almost like traveling to another country.

I'm extremely thankful for the time I have spent in Fulton because it's reminded me of all the unique cultures that can be found right within our very own country. Who would have thought that I would have experienced this much culture in Fulton Mississippi?